Written, directed and executive produced by Duvernay, the contemporary series is adapted from the first-time novel by Natalie Baszile. It centers on Nova Bordelon (Wesley), a formidable journalist and activist based in New Orleans. Her life, and that of her brother and their extended family, undergoes significant change when her sister, Charley, returns to Louisiana from Los Angeles to help run the family sugarcane farm. Oprah Winfrey will have a recurring role on the show.

Wesley played Tara Thornton in HBO’s True Blood, which ended its seven-season run last summer. She also had major recurring roles on Hannibal and Arrow. On the film side, Wesley co-starred in The Perfect Guy and previously appeared on Broadway in David Hare’s The Vertical Hour, opposite Julianne Moore. Wesley is repped by Inspire Entertainment and SMGSB.